Listen for the deep rumbling sound as it increases in volume to sound like thunder from a summer’s storm. Then watch as the huge pillar of ice crashes into the frigid water already dotted with floating icebergs. Feel the gentle rocking of the ship as the generated wave reaches the ship. Then scan the towering face of the Alaskan glacier in preparation for another gigantic piece of ice to complete its journey to the sea sometimes taking 10,000 years. If you have not seen these magnificent glaciers in Alaska you need to see them in person to recognize their magnitude!

Alaska is considered America’s last frontier and the title definitely fits. There are snow covered jagged peaks reaching up to the deep blue sky. There are massive glaciers that slowly inch to the sea while carving out rounded mountain canyons. Everywhere you look there are tall evergreen trees and if you look closely you could see a moose, an eagle or a bear. On the water look for dolphins jumping playfully or watch for incredible whales as they come up for air. Alaska will fill your eyes with amazement as you look in every direction.

One of the best ways to see the glaciers is on an Alaskan Cruise. The National Park Service allows cruise ships to get only so close to the glaciers. But that is close enough to see and hear the spectacular show of the glaciers calving. At the bottom of the glacier the visible ice will be a dark blue and is estimated that it came down as snow up to 10,000 years ago.

Your cruise will also take you to the frontier towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. In Skagway you can take the historic White Pass Railway that takes you up over the mountain range to the Klondike gold fields or just stroll through the historic town that seems to be stuck in the 1800’s. In Juneau visit the nearby Mendenhall Glacier or ride the gondola for a fantastic view. In Ketchikan take a seaplane ride over the glaciers or visit the museum housing totem poles that are 300 years old.

Alaska is very cool even in the summer and it rains quite often so be prepared for bad weather, it is what keeps Alaska so green! After your cruise take a land tour that will take you to Denali National Park the home of Mount McKinley the tallest mountain in the U.S. Continue on to Fairbanks to ride on a paddle wheeler and to pan for gold. There are other tours that take you to spectacular spots around Alaska and Northwest Canada. If you have not been to Alaska it is time to plan your trip, you wouldn’t want to miss the last frontier!

Travel Tip: Alaska cruises are selling faster than in recent years, book now if you want to go this summer!

Travel Deals: Viking River Cruises book 2012 river cruises with 2 for 1 pricing, must book by March 31; Princess past passengers save up to $200 for 2012 cruises, must book by March 31; Cunard 14-day cruise London to the Baltic and Scandinavia, balcony cabins starting at $2,999 on May 31. Prices plus taxes/fees and subject to change.

Gary Sorensen is a Regional Manager for Morris Murdock Travel. For all of your travel information see Morris Murdock Travel in Bountiful at 320 W. 500 S. or call 295-9443.